Dear Heloise: I've discovered that my friendships have made a big impact on my life and even my health! I'm more apt to get out, go exercise, go dancing and go to dinner with my friends than by myself. They support and encourage me.
When I've gone through a job loss, the death of a family member or beloved pet, or even a car accident, my friends have been there for me, and I'm there for them in their tough times, too.
My hint is to foster your friendships and stay in touch with good friends. The benefits are many! The love and laughter shared makes me stronger.-Beulah D. in West Virginia
PILLOW TALK
Dear Heloise: I read your column in the (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) Times Leader every day. My hint is: Whenever I dry pillows and comforters in my dryer, I always put in three clean tennis balls. They bounce around and keep the contents inside loose, especially feathers.-Rose in Mountain Top, Pa.
THROWBACK THURSDAY-SNACK ATTACK
Dear Readers: This hint originally appeared in January of 1971!
"Heloise: Here is a little hint my family enjoys very much.
"When I have a skillet of popcorn about half-popped, I throw in a handful of shelled, raw peanuts or pecans. They will parch by the time the corn has finished popping, and you'll have corn and nuts."-Mrs. J.T.B.
Popping popcorn on the stovetop ensures that it is fresh and delicious; you can control its butter content (less fat), and the nuts will add a delicious texture.-Heloise
FAN SLEEVES
Dear Heloise: I made fan-blade sleeves for my ceiling fans. I made them out of material and put elastic on the ends to keep them on.
I have them on the master bedroom fan, which is over the bed. I also did the kitchen fan, which collects grease from cooking.
When I'm ready to clean, I have someone pull them off, then I wash them and put them back.-Elaine H. in Port Charlotte, Fla.
APPLE LOAF
Dear Heloise: I shred a peeled apple or two into a casserole of meatloaf for moisture, sweetness and to add an extra serving of fruit.-Mary C., Liberty Lake, Wash.
BAG IT TO GO
Dear Heloise: I enjoy your hints, published daily in the (Warren, Ohio) Tribune Chronicle. Here's a safety hint: When it's raining and you are going shopping, to the doctor's office, etc., take a plastic bag, and after you have folded your umbrella, put it in the bag so it will not drip on surfaces and cause someone to fall.-Lonnie in Warren, Ohio
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected].
King Features Syndicate